Dustin Poirier has called Conor McGregor’s injury during UFC 329 “karma” for his past behavior. Poirier discussed the injury during Monday’s episode of “Deep Waters,” noting it occurred just 69 seconds into the fight.
McGregor appeared to injure his right knee while attempting a flying head kick, making it difficult for him to stand or move effectively.
“Honestly, this couldn’t have happened to a more fitting guy,” Poirier remarked. “That kind of injury shouldn’t happen to a top-tier athlete. Earlier this week, he mentioned that karma is a reflection, and I think he was spot on.”
Fans expressed disappointment, feeling shortchanged as they anticipated McGregor’s first fight since 2021.
UFC CEO Dana White, however, clarified that the injury was not pre-existing. He mentioned that McGregor and his team had been rehearsing head kicks in the lead-up to the match, executing them successfully multiple times.
“This guy is a dirtbag. I don’t know if it was due to nervous energy or something else,” Poirier continued. “Starting a fight like that feels reckless to me… It’s akin to throwing a Hail Mary pass at the start of a 25-minute battle without really grasping the situation.”
Poirier added that McGregor isn’t in his twenties anymore, and if a torn anterior cruciate ligament is confirmed, he might never compete again.
In response, Chris Weidman expressed a different view, stating that McGregor would likely return to the Octagon but might have lost some of his flair and energy.
“I don’t think things will ever be the same,” Weidman noted. “The buzz and excitement simply won’t be there anymore.”
Regardless, after the fight, McGregor’s opponent, Max Holloway, acknowledged McGregor’s resilience and called for a rematch when McGregor is ready.
McGregor has one bout remaining on his UFC contract and stands at 1-1 in the series against Holloway, with their last clash occurring in 2013, where McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory.
Poirier’s disdain for McGregor dates back to their trilogy from 2014 to 2021. The American triumphed over McGregor twice in 2021, but suffered a loss by knockout in their first encounter in 2014.
In their most recent fight, McGregor suffered a leg injury.
